Hotel Ladina

I am one of a group of 12 people who spent 9 nights in Hotel Ladina on a half board basis from late August to early September. We occupied 6 ensuite twin rooms on several floors. The rooms were comfortable, spotless, as was the rest of the hotel, and had everything we needed such as safe, hairdryer and small fridge. There was even a clothes line complete with pegs on the balconies and a wonderful view of the mountains including the Sassolungo group. FOOD The buffet breakfast was great and plentiful with some hot options as well as a continental selection of hams, cheeses, yogurt, fruit, nice breads and cakes. (Why does coffee from a multi-option machine always taste so much better in Europe than at home?) The evening meal had a self service salad buffet with some lovely extras such as arancini, aubergine slices with tomato sauce and melted cheese and something a bit like cauliflower cheese. This was a meal in itself. The rest of the courses were waiter served and guests were asked to make their selections the night before. There were three vegetarians in our party including myself and we were all offered alternatives, specially made for us, if any of the courses were unsuitable for us. To be honest the portions were so generous that some nights I could only manage the salad and dessert. Looking around the dining room other guests seemed to appreciate the food as much as we did. Desserts were home made and I enjoyed the fruit salad several times but I just had to try the tiramisu and creme brulee :) There was also the bonus of free afternoon tea from 4-6 pm every day. This was set out in the reception area and included fresh fruit, cakes, biscuits and herbal teas. It was taken in a little room off the reception or outside on the terrace. There is a small cafe/bar at the front of the hotel where we had our evening drinks. The prices were reasonable and no more than other bars. It was also open to non guests. FACILITIES There was a well equipped baby kitchen on our floor (kettle, hob, pots, pans, hand blenders, microwave, bottle warmers etc.), an exercise bike, which we didn't use as we were on a walking holiday so got enough exercise, a jacuzzi and spa in the basement, which we didn't have time to try out, a children's play room plus a small garden with swings, slide etc. There is an outside seating area outside the cafe and a terrace to one side of the hotel. The village's post office is built into the left hand side of the hotel as you face the front and can be accessed from the road. It's open only on certain days of the week. I think there's also a boot room and drying room but we didn't need those so not sure whereabouts they would be. We had an evening flight home so on our day of departure the hotel allowed us to leave our luggage with them so we could go off for the day. STAFF The staff were incredibly helpful, friendly and cheerful, nothing was too much trouble. This is a family run hotel and it shows by the attention to detail. If you require the Trentino travel card for buses and cable cars the team at reception will help you. CAMPITELLO Campitello is a small village with a limited bus service but as long as you make yourself aware of the timetables you can get to most places. I went to Bolzano one day, changing buses at Vigo di Fassa. You can easily get to other places to begin walks. The Col Rodello gondola is about a five minute walk from the hotel. All buses, cable cars and chairlifts in Trentino can be accessed using your pass. We chose the 7 over 13 days option for the cable cars as we didn't need them for all our walks but the bus pass could be used during the whole of our stay. There are many bars, cafes and restaurants in the village. Some of our group were very impressed with the Craft Brewery in The Hotel Alpin. There is also a largish COOP supermarket, be aware it closes between 12 and 3 pm. There are also the usual souvenir shops, some sports shops and a tourist information. A river runs through the village and the main road also which can be busy during the day. There is an underpass which you can use at busy times. If I visit Campitello di Fassa again I'll definitely be staying at this hotel. It's location is perfect and it has everything you need for a relaxing or energetic holiday right in the middle of the beautiful Dolomites.